How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting a long time, consult your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will examine you through a structured interview and focus on your different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They will request evidence including childhood history and school reports are often requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They can also provide talk therapy. If you are covered by health insurance, the cost of your psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you're unsure if a psychiatrist is in your network, call your insurance company to find out. You can also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric specialist or search online for local services. If you do not have insurance, you may choose to go through a private service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD looks like. This makes it difficult to recognize someone with ADHD. In addition, many medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and do not have much practical experience with it. You'll need to do some work to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to assess your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
It is essential to build an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you have identified one. This is especially important if you are planning to start taking medication for your ADHD. Consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you are not comfortable with your current one. While adhd diagnosis uk adults I Am Psychiatry is essential to be comfortable with your doctor but you shouldn't be forced to accept less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor may recommend you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a clinical evaluation. The process usually includes a questionnaire, as well as a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you fit the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you have the right to choose where you receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from the list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults, which can reduce wait times significantly.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS to receive an assessment. In the UK this would involve a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) that will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in conjunction with the clinical interview. This is to help provide a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including comorbid conditions, that might be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter explaining that you wish to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it could be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially relevant if you intend to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP does agree to make the referral, there will be a brief wait before you get to meet with the specialist. It is essential to be prepared for this, as the interview will be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life today. You will be asked to present examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've performed in various areas of your life.
After you've been diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions as well as prescription drugs. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a student, it is likely that your therapist will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who don't have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs, nurses, and psychologists. This can make it difficult to get a diagnosis or access treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't receive treatment and that children get rid of it. It can take persistence to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the issue.
Right to choose
If you reside in England and your GP agrees that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, you are entitled to choose the provider. This is called the "Right to Choice". The only requirement is that the selected provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended that you find out about waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is worth noting that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems, including adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need convince your GP that you should be referred by a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP that they should refer you to a specialist, you could print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and only an expert can make this diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high, you can exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you visit get your ADHD assessed. Interviews are usually conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will concentrate on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare for this interview in advance and have someone from your family present to support.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants but they must be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are worried that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be (this is a growing issue particularly for women, people of color and those who were deemed as female at birth) You can self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can hand to your GP. On their website, they offer a list of providers. Most of them offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment is likely to be slightly longer than an ordinary psychiatric visit and include a structured interview. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current state of functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in a variety of situations and settings. It is often helpful to have a friend or family member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and inform you of the diagnosis.
They will inform you if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD, or if they believe a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will explain the reasons why and you can request them to refer you back.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you can decide whether you want to go down the route of medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to sign an agreement on shared care for medication through your GP and this could save you money in the long term.
It is not recommended to depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or other self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. It is important that you receive a professional, objective assessment to ensure that you get the most effective results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medications, other assistance might be available. If you are a student at a university for instance, you can request an assessment. They can provide you with advice on reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.